Beckham backs Messi for 2026 Ballon d'Or after standout season

Casemiro, a Brazilian footballer, has been playing with renowned athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and admires Lionel Messi as the best. After Inter Miami's 2-0 victory over Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup, Casemiro reiterated Messi's superiority and endorsed Messi's chances of winning another Ballon d'Or. Messi had recently assisted Casemiro in scoring Miami's second goal in the 81st minute.

Casemiro's comments on Messi's brilliance reflect the admiration he has for the Argentine over his years of playing alongside Ronaldo and subsequently with him at Manchester United. However, he raises a pertinent question regarding the Ballon d'Or, questioning if football outside Europe garners equal recognition. Messi, with 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d'Or, deserves attention for his performances, including eight goals and four assists in the World Cup.

Casemiro believes these performances deserve significant recognition, yet he acknowledges the disparity in how players from different regions are valued.

Casemiro's aim is for Messi to win the Ballon d'Or, but the final decision lies with the voters. Messi has recently scored his 100th Inter Miami goal in his 115th appearance, contributing significantly to Inter Miami's 2-0 win over Cruz Azul and securing their fourth trophy under Messi's leadership. Messi's already impressive tally of eight Ballon d'Or awards showcases his consistency and prowess in football.